I've found a new spot to collect Coast Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. If anyone is interested, I'm planning a collecting trip for some time in the next 2-3 weeks. There is a cost of $20 per tree you dig up for smaller trees (under 6 inch base) and $30 for larger trees. Reply here or PM me if you want to join us.

Bob I'd sure like to see some pictures of Coastal's when you get them growing nicely. I have one I have been mangling for a couple of years. I don't know what I am doing so I'm not sure what it will turn out like. I started with a five gallon tree form Home Dumpo. I cut the top and brought the highest branch up for a new apex. Then I cut a notch in the back to relieve the stress point. I saw this some where but don't know if that was the correct way to do it. I next brought up the next branch now I have a pretty good taper but I am not sure how or if it will ever look natural. I plan on splitting the trunk this next year to get even more of a flare at the base. Have you got any advice for me? My tree is about 3 1/2 feet tall and I don't want it any taller so I guess I will just have to pinch the top out each year. Do you know of a web site or some where I can see some good pics of Coastal Redwoods. I live in Cupertino and I planted 13 Redwoods at the top of the hill in my back yard about 10 years ago. I am pretty fond of them.

Thank you for the links BobWhen you collect , how big of a tree are you collecting and how big is the root ball ? Do you cut it to a more manegale size at location ? If it has a large diameter trunk and it is cut to a certain height then do you grow a new apex or just go for a lightning strike look?Even though I have always loved all types of tree, Redwoods just take my breath away.

Since I can't figure out how to start a new subject I will post this here and I hope I am not putting this some where it should not be.Coastal Redwood : how do you get the needles and nodes smaller and does anyone have a calender for working on them ?

Don, you have to keep them pinched back pretty aggressively. When new bundles of foliage start to push, you pinch out the tips before they harden off. If you do this consistently, throughout the growing season, you will get dense back-budding.

As far as a calender - pruning/pinching any time throughout the growing season and root work pretty much any time during the rainy parts of fall/winter and spring here in Northern California. I'm not sure exactly how that should be modified for other locations.

Thank you Bob, that will get me going in the correct direction.While we are on the subject of Redwood Bonsai I thought I would ask you to tell me a little about your collecting venture. I am just felling this out a little as I am interested but not sure how difficult it would be for me. What time do you go and for how long? Do you have to hike far and when and where do you pay for the trees? I am near 60 with some health issues and don't want to get in over my head. So for now just an inquiry. Either way thanks for your help and information.

Don, the place I collect is up in the santa cruz mountains. It is a fairly rough drive over some dirt roads, definitely 4-wheel drive country. But once at the property, the trees are pretty easily accessible. I pay the owner of the property for the trees.

They are relatively easy to collect, in that you don't have to worry about getting a big root-ball. You just have to get them out of the ground, which does require a lot of digging and then cutting through some really bit roots.